Eating Tips for Parents
Check out our top ten tips for getting children to eat more
healthily…
• Make your weekly food shop a
family outing
Let your children see what you're
buying and invite them to choose a couple of healthy items. Set
them a challenge to identify fruits and their countries of
origin.
• Breakfast is the most important
meal of the day
It helps children stay alert during
lessons and energised throughout the day. Try wholegrain cereals
topped with low fat yoghurt and fruit to help them reach
five-a-day.
• Pack lunch boxes with healthy
eating options
Such as pittas and bagels filled with
tuna and sweetcorn. Low-fat yoghurt and a small packet of dried
fruits will satisfy a sweet tooth.
• For after-school
snacks
Make sure there are fruit and nuts to hand.
Beans on toast or mashed banana sandwiches are great healthy ideas
for really hungry youngsters.
• Try to make healthy food fun
and tasty
You could blend fresh fruits together into
a smoothie as an alternative to all those sugary drinks.
• Think up quizzes and fun games
about food
For example, set your children the task of
designing a healthy picnic.
• Get your children to take part
in regular healthy cooking days
Mixing and mashing
ingredients can be fun and educational. Children always love to eat
what they have cooked.
• Meals can be made to look
interesting
By using lots of different coloured
fruits and vegetables. Get your children to serve and and arrange
the food on the plate.
• Don't forget to practice what you
preach!
Set a good example by eating healthily
yourself. Children love to feel grown up.
• Allow your children to have an occasional
treat
Their favourite foods, such as crisps or cake -
but make sure it's no more than once or twice a week.
Links to other organisations
British Nutrition Foundation
www.nutrition.org.uk
Food Standards Agency
www.food.gov.uk
Got any questions about this page?
